PBD Podcast Episode #738 Summary

Title: Josh Hawley Challenges Minnesota AG In HEATED Fraud Hearing
Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Patrick Bet-David (“Pat”)
Co-Hosts: Tom Ellsworth, Adam, Vinnie
Notable Guests/Clips: Josh Hawley, Keith Ellison, Pam Bondi, Jennifer Seibel Newsom

Episode Overview

This episode of the PBD Podcast offers a high-octane blend of national news, political controversy, live reactions, and sharp debate. Highlights include an intense Senate hearing where Sen. Josh Hawley confronts Minnesota AG Keith Ellison over fraud allegations, a deep dive into the saga of the missing Epstein prison footage, fiery commentary on partisan politics, and spirited exchanges on the economy, Super Bowl halftime numbers, and cultural conversations. The episode ends with a heartfelt tribute to actor James Van Der Beek.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Files and FBI Footage Destruction

(07:27–24:57)

• Segment Summary:
  The episode kicks off with news that the FBI destroyed the master copy of Jeffrey Epstein’s prison surveillance footage, fueling further speculation about a cover-up.

• Facts and Flow:

  • Rob shares news that the FBI authorized destruction of Epstein's cell footage in 2024 after deeming the case “closed.”
  • The reconstructed video later released included a one-minute gap; initial explanations about system resets were unverified.
  • Panelists question the timing and motives, pointing to repeated procedural failures (e.g. deleted evidence from a previous suicide attempt, staff neglect, and suspicious activity around Epstein’s death), fueling skepticism of “routine” explanations.

• Conspiracy Angle:

  • Vinnie lists a series of inconsistencies and alleged protocol breaches, arguing this is why public distrust is high.
  • Adam references “Hanlon’s Razor,” asking, “Are these people just bumbling idiots, or is there malice at play?” (14:45)
  • Pat and others note the enduring intensity of the Epstein story and its bipartisan unifying distrust.

• Quotes:

  • “The FBI is the nation’s highest, most elite law enforcement... I’m shocked. I’m absolutely shocked.” – Tom Ellsworth (08:43)
  • “This is why people have questions like me all the time… Then they call us crazy.” – Vinnie (13:12)
  • “This continuing [lack of accountability]... this is not going to go away.” – Pat (44:48)

2. Pam Bondi’s Handling of the Epstein Files Hearing

(20:22–44:46)

• Review & Critique:

  • Pat and co-hosts analyze Attorney General Pam Bondi’s performance in a congressional hearing on the Epstein files.
  • Mixed reviews: Vinnie scores her 5/10, Tom rates her 2/10, citing her lack of composure and mishandled exchanges (esp. with Rep. Massey).
  • Debate over whether Bondi unfairly shoulders blame for a decades-long institutional failure—Adam uses a football metaphor to stress systemic problems.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Don’t make the promises… Don’t come in front of the camera and say, ‘We have 10,000 videos and we’re going to show you,’... That’s the problem. She made the promise.” – Vinnie (39:58)
  • “There are certain jobs that everybody gets that’s way over your head… Take Bondi, move her off to a different job.” – Pat (41:54)

• Underlying Theme:

  • Cross-administration corruption and lack of accountability is discussed repeatedly.

3. Josh Hawley vs. Keith Ellison (Minnesota AG) Senate Hearing

(45:03–55:42)

• Audio Clips & Context:

  • Pat plays viral clips of Sen. Hawley’s “heated” questioning of AG Keith Ellison over his alleged role in Minnesota’s “Feeding our Future” COVID-era fraud scandal.
  • Hawley accuses Ellison of taking $10,000 in donations from individuals later indicted for a $250 million fraud and lambastes Ellison’s conduct.

• Memorable Exchanges:

  • Hawley: “It’s my hearing, pal.”
  • Ellison: “Don’t call me pal.”
  • Hawley: “Well, I should call you prisoner because you ought to be in jail.” (46:00)
  • Hawley: “Why’d you take their money?.. You helped fraudsters defraud your state and this government of $9 billion and you got a fat campaign contribution out of it. You ought to be indicted.” (49:01–49:19)

• Panel Reaction:

  • Praise for Hawley’s prosecutorial style and a broader conversation about the perception of “two systems of justice.”
  • Tom: “This should be referred to the Department of Justice and indictments should be brought down, but they don’t happen. And this is where American people say nothing’s going to happen.”

4. US Economy & Housing Foreclosure Crisis

(57:02–63:09)

• Segment Details:

  • The panel examines newly-released January 2026 foreclosure data—over 40,000 homes lost in one month, an 11th consecutive month of year-over-year increases.
  • Emphasis on how the lower half of the middle class is being crushed by inflation, debt, and stagnant wages.
  • Panelists stress homeownership risks and the importance of being financially ready before purchasing.

• Quotes:

  • “This is a sign of deep stress... It’s actually happening to the lower half of the middle class.” – Tom Ellsworth (57:02)
  • “If you don't have 12 months of expenses saved after the down payment—don't do it.” – Pat (62:41)

5. Stock Market Volatility & Investment Outlook

(64:18–71:04)

• Market Recap:

  • Analysis of major swings in the stock market—Dow surges on a strong jobs report but tanks $700 billion the following day.
  • Technical analysis (VIX index) shows overall risk is not at crisis levels, despite swings.
  • Pat revisits his 2022 prediction that the Dow will reach 50,000 by 2025–26, emphasizing long-term optimism and nuclear energy stocks as top performers.

• Quotes:

  • “It’s not timing the market, it’s time in the market.” – Adam (68:04)
  • “Long term—equities. Short term, there’s going to be some bumpy ride.” – Pat (70:44)

6. Super Bowl Halftime Show Ratings and ‘Bathroom Break’ Analysis

(74:00–84:59)

• Fun Segment:

  • The panel discusses Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance, noting a sharp decline in viewership (allegedly a 39% drop from Kendrick Lamar’s show), and the odd stat of record-breaking toilet flushes during the show.
  • Lively debate about cultural diversity, authenticity, and pride in heritage vs. assimilation, using Bad Bunny and Latin American representation as talking points.

• Quotes:

  • “You can celebrate the rich Hispanic heritage of so many Americans... What the NFL did, it just didn’t work.” – Tom Ellsworth (101:48)
  • “Just say you love America.” – Pat (84:50)
  • “People want answers on what’s going on with Epstein. Two things can be true at once.” – Adam (18:40)

7. Urban Policy, Taxes & the Exodus from Blue States

(88:10–100:45)

• Highlights:

  • NYC and California budget crises: Speaker Mamdani (NYC) and Newsom (California) under fire for rising property taxes, municipal failures, and “alpha wife” moments.
  • Coverage of population and wealth flight; billionaires (Mark Zuckerberg included) relocate to Florida, citing poor governance and excessive taxation.

• Quotes:

  • “He left a multi-billion dollar surplus. Eric Adams. That Mandami is vaporized. And now he’s looking for even more.” – Tom Ellsworth (89:59)
  • “Come on down to Florida…” – Adam (97:41)
  • “...Come up with some pink jackets, people will buy.” – Pat, on California’s Planned Parenthood funding (94:05)
  • “This is what you voted for. Get ready. Buckle up.” – Tom Ellsworth (90:38)

8. Election Integrity: The SAVE Act & Voter ID Debate

(105:35–113:18)

• Key Points:

  • The SAVE Act passes in the House 218–213, requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship in federal elections—only one House Democrat supports it.
  • CNN panelists argue the law will “disenfranchise” minorities; Scott Jennings pushes back, citing overwhelming poll support for voter ID among all ethnic groups.

• Quotes:

  • “Are you saying that black voters are dumb to know what’s good for them? It sounds pretty condescending.” – Scott Jennings (109:28)
  • “It’s actually... disrespectful and racist to say minorities, they don’t know how to get IDs.” – Vinnie (116:51)
  • “Anybody against the Save America Act? You are part of the problem.” – Vinnie (112:31)

9. Media Critique: CNN’s Ratings Decline and Cable News Demise

(113:18–124:45)

• Discussion:

  • CNN’s audience has been cut in half since 2016; attributed to Trump’s absence, viewer disinterest in non-reality-based coverage, and the move to independent news sources.
  • Panel notes the growing dominance of podcasts and YouTube/podcasting for news consumption, confirmed with a live poll of viewers.

• Quotes:

  • “Podcasts, 91%. Where people are getting their news from. It’s changed. It’s a different market today.” – Pat (123:08)
  • “Can CNN save itself? Yes, but it’s going to be more layoffs and new leadership.” – Tom Ellsworth (120:17)

10. Heartfelt Tribute: James Van Der Beek

(127:39–136:16)

• Segment Details:

  • The episode closes with a tribute to actor James Van Der Beek, who recently passed away. Pat shares a moving clip wherein Van Der Beek reflects on identity, worth, mortality, and the power of faith during his struggle with cancer.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist. And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?... If the word God trips you up... your mantra can simply be, ‘I am worthy of love.’” – James Van Der Beek (129:11)
  • “If you judge your relationship with God horizontally, you’ll always be disappointed. But if you judge it vertically, you’ll be fine.” – Pat (136:13)

Notable Quotes and Moments w/Timestamps

• Tom Ellsworth (on FBI/DOJ): “The FBI is the nation’s highest, most elite law enforcement... [yet] destroying evidence, not preserving it. I’m shocked.” (08:43)
• Vinnie (on Epstein cover up): “Either they shut the camera off or they deleted it...so when people like us go, ‘Wait, are they lying to us?’ then they call us crazy.” (13:12)
• Josh Hawley to Keith Ellison: “It’s my hearing, pal... Well, I should call you a prisoner because you ought to be in jail.” (45:53–46:03)
• Scott Jennings (to CNN panel): “Are you saying that black voters are dumb to know what’s good for them? ... That sounds pretty condescending.” (109:28)
• Pat (on Pam Bondi): “There are certain jobs... that’s way over your head... Take Bondi, move her off to a different job.” (41:54)
• James Van Der Beek: “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist...My efforts to connect to God are an ongoing process... But if it’s a trigger...your mantra can simply be, ‘I am worthy of love.’” (129:11–131:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Files/FBI Discussion: 07:27–24:57
• Pam Bondi Assessment/Epstein Hearing: 20:22–44:46
• Hawley vs. Ellison (Senate Hearing): 45:03–55:42
• Housing Foreclosures/Economic Discussion: 57:02–63:09
• Stock Market Volatility & Investment: 64:18–71:04
• Super Bowl/Bad Bunny Segment: 74:00–84:59
• Urban Policy & Taxes/NYC & California: 88:10–100:45
• Election Integrity/SAVE Act Voter ID: 105:35–113:18
• CNN, Podcasting, & News Media: 113:18–124:45
• James Van Der Beek Tribute: 127:39–136:16

Tone & Style

The episode mixes irreverent humor with heated political analysis and the hosts’ signature candor. It’s raucous and unfiltered—full of personal anecdotes and emotional asides—while also offering concise fact-based breakdowns of major news.

For Listeners Who Missed It

If you didn’t catch this episode, expect a whirlwind tour across the country’s most pressing political, economic, and cultural issues—with raw, live reactions, viral audio, and strong opinions. Tune in for the heated Hawley–Ellison showdown, sobering takes on the justice system, practical advice on the economy, and a poignant closing message on faith and self-worth.

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